Strategic Business Designer, Business Transformation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Strategic Business Designer, Business Transformation

Company: dentsu

Location: London, United Kingdom (with potential for Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Business Transformation / Strategic Advisory / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive international growth and organizational evolution for clients by acting as an internal transformation advisor.

• Blend structured management consulting principles with cutting-edge technology and human-centric product design to solve complex business challenges.

• Translate global market data and technical insights into compelling, high-stakes narratives to secure stakeholder buy-in and modernize operational models.

• Scale cross-border revenue streams and products through strategic product-led transformation initiatives.

• Develop and maintain the practice’s intellectual property, including diagnostic frameworks and published assets, to support the Business Transformation (BX) brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within a "BX practice" (Business Transformation practice), indicating a focus on strategic consulting and operational improvement for clients. While not strictly a "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, it heavily intersects with GTM strategy, operational model modernization, and driving business growth through transformation. The emphasis on "scaling cross-border revenue streams and products" and "modernizing operational models" directly aligns with the strategic objectives of operations functions. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking, client-facing advisory, and product/digital transformation expertise, making it a senior, high-impact position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead BX (Business Transformation) efforts on priority global pitches and new-business pursuits, bringing a distinct BX point of view and reframing client business challenges.

• Build trusted-advisor relationships with C-suite executives (CMO, CSO, CEO) and lead diagnostic sessions to evolve client relationships into enterprise-level strategy engagements.

• Act as the primary author and steward of next-generation BX materials, transforming practice thinking and client work into reusable frameworks, points of view, and signature assets for global markets.

• Partner with cross-functional product and engineering teams to drive the discovery, user journey mapping, and design of innovative digital media products and ad formats.

• Develop strategic narratives that translate complex transformation roadmaps, regional data sets, and technical insights into clear, aligned visions for decentralized global teams.

• Create BX-grade case studies with named clients and documented outcomes to serve as proof points for the practice's success.

• Develop and maintain the practice’s owned intellectual property (IP), including diagnostic frameworks and any published indices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on client engagement at the executive level, strategic development of reusable assets, and a focus on product innovation within a transformation context. The "Codifying the BX body of work" and "Signature IP" responsibilities indicate a need for deep understanding of how to operationalize strategic insights into repeatable, scalable frameworks, which is a core function in advanced operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: University degree in Business, Marketing, Computer Science, Media Studies, or a related field.

Experience: 10+ years of experience in management consulting, business transformation, digital product strategy, or corporate strategy roles.

Required Skills:

• Consulting & BX Frameworks: Mastery of structured problem-solving models (e.g., MECE, Issue Trees, SWOT) and change management methodologies.

• AI & Tech Literacy: Practical understanding of generative AI workflows, algorithmic audience targeting, predictive analytics, and emerging media channels.

• Product Design Principles: Competency in design thinking, rapid prototyping concepts, and collaborating with UX/UI teams.

• Storytelling Prowess: Exceptional ability to craft persuasive presentations and data visualizations that influence C-suite stakeholders.

• Commercial & Transformation Acumen: Deep expertise in advanced marketing attribution models, Media Mix Modelling (MMM), and measuring the financial impact of transformation initiatives.

• Client Engagement: Proven ability to build and maintain trusted-advisor relationships at the C-suite level.

• Strategic Narrative Design: Capability to translate complex data and roadmaps into clear, compelling narratives.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the advertising, media, or marketing technology industries.

• Familiarity with agile methodologies in product development and transformation projects.

• Experience with cross-border or global transformation initiatives.

• Understanding of digital media platforms and advertising technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills blend traditional management consulting rigor with modern digital and AI competencies. The emphasis on "Commercial & Transformation Acumen" specifically points to the need to understand and quantify the business impact of strategic initiatives, a critical aspect for operations professionals focused on ROI. The requirement for AI and tech literacy, coupled with product design principles, suggests a forward-thinking role that bridges strategy and execution in the digital realm.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating successful business transformation initiatives led or significantly contributed to. These should clearly articulate the client's challenge, your strategic approach, the implemented solutions, and quantifiable business outcomes.

• Framework Development: Examples of frameworks, methodologies, or diagnostic tools you have developed or significantly contributed to, illustrating your ability to codify complex ideas into reusable assets.

• Strategic Narratives: Presentation decks or written summaries that exemplify your skill in translating complex data and strategic roadmaps into clear, persuasive narratives for executive audiences.

• Product/Digital Transformation Examples: Evidence of involvement in the discovery, design, or strategy of digital products, platforms, or new-generation media formats.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting and refining strategic processes, such as business transformation roadmaps, client engagement methodologies, or internal knowledge management systems.

• Ability to articulate the process of translating client needs into actionable transformation strategies and the mechanisms for tracking progress and impact.

• Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., product, engineering, client services) to define and optimize workflows for digital product development and transformation initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on Business Transformation and strategic advisory, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase past successes but also the candidate's ability to think systematically and create repeatable processes and frameworks. This aligns with operations' need for documented, scalable, and efficient methodologies. The emphasis on "codifying the BX body of work" and "Signature IP" directly translates to portfolio requirements that demonstrate the creation of intellectual property.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the experience level (10+ years), strategic nature of the role, and location (London, a major global business hub), a competitive salary range for a Strategic Business Designer at a firm like Dentsu would typically fall between £90,000 - £140,000 per annum. This range can vary based on specific experience, negotiation, and the individual's track record in driving significant business transformation and client growth.

Benefits:

• Global Team Environment: Opportunity to collaborate with diverse, international teams and work on global client challenges.

• Career-Defining Work: Engage in high-impact projects that shape client businesses and offer significant professional development.

• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Dentsu is committed to fostering an inclusive culture where individuality is celebrated.

• Comprehensive Health and Wellness Programs: (Assumed, standard for large international firms)

• Retirement Savings Plan: (Assumed, standard for large international firms)

• Professional Development Opportunities: Access to training, conferences, and resources to enhance skills in consulting, technology, and business transformation.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Hybrid work model offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for client demands and project timelines. The hybrid arrangement allows for a balance between structured office time and personal work preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market research for senior consulting and transformation roles in London, considering the industry (advertising/marketing services) and the specified experience level. Benefits are inferred from the "Working with us" section and standard offerings for large multinational corporations. The role's strategic nature implies that compensation packages may also include performance-based bonuses or incentives tied to client success and business growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising, Marketing, and Communications Services. Dentsu operates within a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry, driven by digital transformation, changing consumer behaviors, and the increasing integration of technology in marketing and business strategy.

Company Size: Dentsu is a large, global organization with approximately 70,000 employees worldwide. This scale offers immense opportunities for collaboration, exposure to diverse markets, and access to a broad range of expertise.

Founded: Dentsu was founded in 1906, giving it a long history and deep roots in the advertising and marketing landscape. This legacy suggests a foundation of established expertise combined with a forward-looking approach to innovation and transformation.

Team Structure:

• Core BX Team: The Strategic Business Designer will be part of a core global Business Transformation (BX) Team. This suggests a specialized unit focused on high-level client advisory and internal capability building.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with account teams, product teams, engineering teams, and C-suite client stakeholders across various markets.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, senior roles like this often report to a Global Head of Business Transformation or a senior executive within the BX practice, with direct client engagement at the highest levels.

Methodology:

• Consultative Approach: The BX practice focuses on acting as strategic advisors to clients, using structured management consulting principles and innovative design thinking.

• Data-Driven Insights: Translating complex global market data and technical insights into actionable strategies is a core methodological element.

• Product-Led Transformation: A key approach involves partnering with product and engineering to create and enhance digital media products and ad formats.

• Narrative and Persuasion: Crafting compelling narratives to secure stakeholder buy-in and align global teams is a critical methodology for driving change.

Company Website: https://www.dentsu.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Dentsu's description emphasizes its global reach and commitment to innovation. The "BX practice" is positioned as a strategic unit that leverages the best of Dentsu's network. The emphasis on "end-to-end service" in a "digital-first environment" highlights the company's strategic direction, which this role directly supports. The company's long history combined with its focus on transformation suggests a culture that values both established expertise and future-oriented innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior, strategic advisory role, positioned at a Principal, Director, or Senior Manager level within a specialized Business Transformation practice. It requires significant experience and the ability to operate autonomously and influence executive-level decision-making. The scope is global, focusing on high-stakes client engagements and internal practice development.

Reporting Structure: The Strategic Business Designer will likely report to a senior leader within the global Business Transformation (BX) practice, such as a Global Head of BX, Director of Strategy, or similar executive. They will also work closely with account leadership and client executives, acting as a peer to C-suite individuals.

Operations Impact: The operations impact of this role is significant, focusing on:

• Revenue Growth: Driving international growth and scaling cross-border revenue streams and products for clients.

• Operational Efficiency: Modernizing operational models and internal transformation processes.

• Strategic Alignment: Ensuring decentralized global teams are aligned behind a shared vision and strategy.

• Innovation Adoption: Championing the adoption of new technologies like generative AI and modern digital product design.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership within BX: Potential to grow into leadership roles within the global BX practice, managing teams, developing new service offerings, and setting strategic direction.

• Deepening Specialization: Further developing expertise in specific areas of business transformation, digital product strategy, AI integration, or sustainability consulting.

• Client Executive Relationship Management: Expanding influence and building deeper, longer-term strategic partnerships with major global clients.

• Intellectual Property Development: Leading the creation and dissemination of Dentsu's proprietary frameworks and thought leadership in business transformation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is designed for experienced professionals looking to make a significant strategic impact. The growth path is geared towards leadership within a specialized consulting unit or deepening expertise in high-demand areas of business transformation. The emphasis on "modernize our operational models" and "scale cross-border revenue streams" directly links this strategic role to operational outcomes that drive business performance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in London, with potential travel to other global offices (e.g., Copenhagen, Amsterdam) and client sites. Dentsu likely offers modern, collaborative office spaces designed to foster teamwork and innovation, reflecting its global brand and service offerings. The hybrid work arrangement indicates a balance between in-office presence for collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: London, United Kingdom (10 Triton Street).

• Potential Travel/Collaboration: Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and other global locations as required for client engagements and team collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Office spaces are expected to feature areas for team meetings, workshops, and brainstorming sessions, crucial for the design thinking and narrative development aspects of the role.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to advanced technology, presentation tools, and communication platforms to support global collaboration and client presentations.

• Client-Facing Focus: The workspace environment should support professional client interactions, whether in person or virtually.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement. While core hours are expected, the nature of strategic advisory and client work often requires flexibility to meet project deadlines and client needs across different time zones. This flexibility is key for operations professionals managing complex projects and global stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and global scope suggest a work environment that values flexibility and results over strict location-based presence. The emphasis on collaboration points to office spaces designed for strategic thinking and client interaction, supporting the core functions of this business transformation role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required experience and skills.

• BX Team Interview: An in-depth discussion with members of the BX team focusing on your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and experience with business transformation frameworks. Expect questions around your approach to client challenges and your understanding of industry trends.

• Case Study Presentation: A presentation of a key case study from your portfolio, demonstrating your ability to articulate complex strategies, present data effectively, and influence stakeholders. This will likely involve a hypothetical or real-world business challenge.

• Senior Leadership Interview: Meeting with senior executives from the BX practice or relevant client service lines to assess cultural fit, leadership potential, and strategic vision.

• Final Round: Potential interviews with broader stakeholders or a final discussion to confirm fit and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Transformation Impact: Focus on case studies that clearly demonstrate your role in driving significant business transformation, revenue growth, or operational modernization. Quantify results wherever possible.

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Emphasize your process for diagnosing problems, developing strategies, and designing solutions. Include examples of frameworks or methodologies you've used or created.

• Demonstrate Narrative Skill: Select presentations or documents that effectively communicate complex ideas to executive audiences. Highlight your ability to craft persuasive stories supported by data.

• Illustrate Product/Digital Savvy: Include examples of your involvement in digital product strategy, user journey mapping, or the design of new digital formats.

• Tailor to BX: Ensure your portfolio clearly aligns with the responsibilities and requirements of this Strategic Business Designer role, emphasizing your ability to act as a trusted advisor and drive change.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Dentsu's BX Offering: Research Dentsu's Business Transformation practice, their key offerings, and how they position themselves in the market.

• Prepare for Strategic Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical client challenge related to digital transformation, new business models, or organizational change.

• Articulate AI/Tech Impact: Prepare to discuss practical applications of generative AI, predictive analytics, or other emerging technologies in business transformation contexts.

• Practice Presentation Skills: Rehearse your case study presentation, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and persuasive delivery. Be prepared for Q&A that probes your strategic rationale and execution approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess strategic acumen, client-facing capabilities, and the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable transformation plans. A strong portfolio is critical, serving as tangible evidence of the skills and experience required for this senior advisory role. The emphasis on "codifying the BX body of work" means interviewers will look for evidence of creating reusable assets and frameworks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating high-impact executive presentations and data visualizations.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or Google Workspace for global team communication and project management.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com for managing transformation roadmaps and project timelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Proficiency in tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for transforming data into compelling visual narratives and dashboards.

• Analytical Software: Familiarity with statistical analysis concepts and potentially tools used for market data analysis, predictive modeling, or marketing attribution (e.g., R, Python for advanced analytics, or specialized MMM/Attribution platforms).

• CRM & Marketing Automation (Understanding): While not necessarily a hands-on user for operations, a strong understanding of how CRM (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot) support business transformation and client engagement strategies.

Strategy & Design Thinking Tools:

• Diagramming Tools: Experience with tools like Miro, Mural, Lucidchart, or Visio for workflow mapping, process design, and concept visualization.

• Design Thinking Frameworks: Familiarity with methodologies and tools supporting design thinking, user journey mapping, and rapid prototyping.

• AI/ML Platforms (Awareness): Understanding of how generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Midjourney) and other AI/ML platforms can be leveraged in client solutions and internal processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a blend of strategic consulting tools and an understanding of the technologies that underpin modern business transformation, particularly in digital media and AI. While the candidate may not be a daily operator of all these tools, they must understand their application and impact in driving business outcomes and client solutions. The ability to leverage data visualization and collaboration tools is paramount for global communication and influence.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A primary focus on understanding and solving client business challenges with innovative and impactful solutions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A commitment to using data, analytics, and insights to inform strategy and measure the impact of transformation initiatives.

• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and approaches to drive continuous improvement and adapt to market changes.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong relationships internally across Dentsu's network and externally with clients to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Impact: Striving for high-quality outcomes and demonstrable business results that create tangible value for clients and the organization.

Collaboration Style:

• Trusted Advisor: Building strong, credible relationships with clients and internal stakeholders based on expertise and proactive engagement.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with diverse teams (account management, product, engineering, creative) to deliver integrated solutions.

• Facilitative Leadership: Guiding workshops, diagnostic sessions, and strategy discussions to drive consensus and action.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively contributing to the BX practice's intellectual property and sharing insights and best practices across the global network.

📝 Enhancement Note: Dentsu's stated commitment to inclusion and diversity, coupled with the role's global and strategic nature, suggests a culture that values diverse perspectives and collaborative problem-solving. The emphasis on client success, innovation, and data-driven approaches aligns with the core values expected in a leading business transformation consultancy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Addressing complex, often ill-defined client business challenges in a rapidly changing market landscape.

• Global Coordination: Aligning diverse, decentralized global teams and stakeholders behind a unified transformation vision and strategy.

• Driving Adoption: Securing buy-in and ensuring the successful adoption of new strategies, technologies, and operational models by clients.

• Measuring Impact: Developing robust methodologies to accurately measure and articulate the ROI and business impact of transformation initiatives.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and integrating emerging technologies like generative AI into strategic frameworks and client solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Diverse Industries & Clients: Working with a wide range of global clients across various sectors, offering broad business exposure.

• Mastering Emerging Technologies: Opportunities to deepen expertise in generative AI, predictive analytics, and other cutting-edge technologies relevant to business transformation.

• Leadership Development: Potential to lead client engagements, develop new practice offerings, and mentor junior team members.

• Industry Thought Leadership: Contributing to Dentsu's intellectual property, potentially leading to speaking engagements or published works.

• Global Network Building: Developing a strong professional network across Dentsu's international offices and client organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are inherent to high-level strategic consulting, requiring adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and excellent communication. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a clear path for experienced professionals to deepen their expertise, expand their leadership capabilities, and make a substantial impact on global businesses.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to reframe a client's business challenge. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your diagnostic and reframing skills, and ability to drive impact.)

• "How would you approach developing a transformation roadmap for a client looking to integrate generative AI into their marketing operations?" (Assess your understanding of AI, operational impact, and strategic planning.)

• "Walk us through your process for building trust and establishing yourself as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives." (Prepare to discuss client engagement strategies and relationship management.)

• "How do you translate complex regional data sets and technical insights into a compelling, unified narrative for a global audience?" (Demonstrate your storytelling and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Dentsu's Business Transformation practice specifically?" (Research BX's mission, offerings, and recent work.)

• "How do you see your skills contributing to our goal of modernizing operational models and scaling cross-border revenue streams?" (Connect your experience to the role's core objectives.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to align decentralized global teams behind a shared point of view. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Assess your collaboration and leadership style in a global context.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your case studies logically, following a problem-solution-outcome structure. Clearly define your role and contributions.

• Quantify Everything: Use metrics and data to demonstrate the tangible business impact of your work (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings, efficiency improvements).

• Tell a Story: Weave a narrative that highlights your strategic thinking, problem-solving process, and ability to influence stakeholders.

• Showcase Frameworks: If applicable, present any frameworks or methodologies you developed or utilized, explaining their value and applicability.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your approach, challenges faced, and alternative solutions considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating strategic depth, client advisory skills, and a forward-thinking approach to business transformation. The portfolio is key evidence, so practice presenting it articulately and be ready to defend your strategic choices and quantify your impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Strategic Business Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dentsu careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful business transformation case studies. Ensure they clearly showcase your strategic approach, any frameworks or methodologies you developed, and quantifiable business outcomes. Tailor your selection to highlight experience in digital transformation, AI integration, and C-suite advisory.

• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience in management consulting, business transformation, or digital product strategy. Use keywords from the job description such as "business transformation," "strategic advisory," "product-led transformation," "generative AI," and "stakeholder engagement." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your career journey, your passion for business transformation, and why you are a strong fit for Dentsu's BX practice. Be ready to discuss your approach to client challenges and your understanding of global market dynamics.

• Research Dentsu: Familiarize yourself with Dentsu's global presence, their BX practice offerings, recent client work, and their commitment to innovation and diversity.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding salary ranges and specific benefits, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.